Wow, this is probably the most entertaining thread I’ve ever read on CC. Good luck on your final decision @LBad96 (like the name change by the way), and looking forward to reading more about the tournament!
wow, thanks @metsfanAJM!! Stay tuned man, UNCW and QU’s final group games will be up tomorrow!!
Love QU but I would bet on UNCW 
@cakeisgreat hmm…how come?
^it’s just such a better fit for your personality… (laid back, not stuck up, versatile, wants to stretch your wings a bit, good academics but not too intense, good business school with opportunities in a growing state…)
Mainly bcuz you mentioned how much you liked uncw :).
Ps …my D is laid back and not stuck up. :). There are a lot of nice people at QU
Wherever @LBad96 goes will be lucky and he will absolutely make the best of whichever campus he chooses to call his own. Through this log and his posts on CC I can tell he’s a fine young man with a tremendous future.
Thursday, April 9th: the final group stage games were almost done. First, we go to Soldier Field in Chicago, where a Group E finale took place between the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds and the Miami Ohio Redhawks. Loyola were already eliminated, while Miami would advance with a victory.
Loyola in gray, Miami in red. Both teams started this game with the utmost of urgency, with the keepers coming up big. Miami’s Ryan M. and James B. saw early attempts stopped by Loyola’s Ronny X., and Loyola captain Jessica C. had two efforts stopped by Miami’s Roger U. Despite the end-to-end action, it was scoreless at the half.
The opening minutes of the second 45 saw Loyola control more possession, and score two quick goals as a result through Jessica in the 50th minute and midfielder Kassina in the 55th. Miami got one back when Quinn D. rose highest to meet a Madison Y. corner kick, and almost scored an equalizer when a shot from James B. hit the post. However, the Greyhounds killed the game off when winger Kyle R. scored their third. Miami were eliminated, and would even finish bottom of the group. That is, unless…
FINAL SCORE: Loyola Maryland 3-1 Miami Ohio
GOALS: Jessica C. 50’, Kassina 55’, Kyle R. 86’; Quinn D. 67’
…the Stetson Hatters could defeat the Fordham Rams by a four-goal margin in Kansas City, Kansas. Stetson were already assured of advancement, having impressively come away with victories in both of their previous games. Fordham needed at least a draw to advance, provided Miami wouldn’t beat Loyola.
Stetson, in white, could afford to rest some of their players. However, no one could have anticipated the absolute beating that they would take in the first half. Fordham, in maroon, were 3-0 up after just 25 minutes, with goals from Nikolai, Vitaly, and Jamie Z. Despite missing creative midfielder Kevin E. through suspension, they certainly weren’t missing him. They were in complete control.
The Hatters did actually begin mounting attacks of their own in the second 45, and got one goal back through winger JaQualla in the 56th minute. The Rams continued to dominate, however, and star striker Calum D. made it 4-1 with just under half an hour to play. Stetson’s backup keeper Herman W. was absolutely destroyed, and his defenders were run ragged. They eventually scored a second when left back Bailey H. struck a low and hard drive past Gerry T. The result meant that Fordham topped the group on goal difference.
FINAL SCORE: Stetson 2-4 Fordham
GOALS: JaQualla 56’, Bailey H. 83’; Nikolai 11’, Vitaly 19’, Jamie Z. 25’, Calum D. 61’
Final Group E standings
- Fordham Rams 2-0-1, 6 GS/3 GA, +3 GD, 6 Pts
- Stetson Hatters 2-0-1, 6 GS/GA, 0 GD, 6 Pts
- Loyola Maryland Greyhounds 1-0-2, 4 GS/5 GA, -1 GD, 3 Pts
- Miami Ohio Redhawks 1-0-2, 4 GS/6 GA, -2 GD, 3 Pts
Later that night, the final games in Group F commenced. In Syracuse, the William Paterson Pioneers tried their luck against the Pittsburgh Panthers. WPU, in white, had already missed one player to suspension, but a massive mutiny against the coach at the last training session saw six players expelled as a result. Pitt, in navy blue with gold trim, were already qualified and needed only a draw to win the group.
Needless to say, they weren’t playing for a draw. After ten minutes, it was already 4-0. Mari G., Billy A., Nick N., and Gabriel B. all scored very quick fire goals. WPU’s problems worsened further when they were down to nine men after just 19 minutes, William X. and Fernodina both seeing straight reds for poor challenges.
The second half just got worse and worse. Mari made the margin five with a brace, and it was 6-0 when Emily P. came off the bench to score. WPU were then reduced to eight players when Wupper kicked out at his teammate. Pitt topped the group with consummate ease, and they went on to face Stetson in round two. The Pioneers left the field tattered, obliterated, and a disgrace to D3 commuter schools across the country. Their goal difference (and # of players on the pitch) literally decreased by the game. However, none of that mattered…
FINAL SCORE: WPU 0-6 Pitt
GOALS: Mari G. 2’, 51’, Billy A. 4’, Nick N. 7’, Gabriel B. 10’, Emily P. 59’
…because the real entertainment was at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The biggest match of the entire group stages - the Florida State Seminoles vs the UNC Wilmington Seahawks. Both teams were dead on even going into this matchup. Winner goes through, loser goes home, and a drawing of lots would ensue in the event of a stalemate.
Both teams grabbed this game by the throat. FSU, in red, had the first few attacks of the match when Andreia S. had efforts saved by UNCW goalkeeper Dyshon. Midfielder Beth F. also tested Dyshon early with a speculative shot from distance. The team in teal saw a long-range effort from d-mid Kyra S. hit the crossbar of FSU keeper Dominic H., and striker Olivia C. saw a header hit the crossbar.
The gripping action continued into the second half, but it was all one team from here on in. The Seahawks kept possession very nicely and were very fluent in attack. They were unlucky to have a penalty shout waved away on 67 minutes when Dave G. blatantly smacked a Brooke R. shot down with his hands. However, UNCW’s persistence would pay off, and the sea of teal in the Georgia Dome went wild when captain and center back Katie S. rose to see her header fly past Dominic in the 72nd. Five minutes later, a brilliant counterattack led to a second goal from winger Anna H., who was unmarked when she slammed the ball home off a square pass from Olivia. And if Malik B.'s 82nd minute goal was the supposed knockout blow, then the fourth from Kyra busted the Seminoles wide open. FSU striker Kevin C.‘s goal would have been welcomed by the red-clad fans at least a half hour earlier, but further damage was done when sub Kaleigh B. saw red after a needlessly idiotic tackle on Noah T. in the 89th. UNCW advanced to the Sweet Sixteen to face Fordham, and their fans were in ultimate Fiesta mode. FSU, who had former QB Jameis Winston and adult film star Mia Khalifa trash talking the opponents during the week, had an unprecedented choke job in the last twenty minutes. Well, at least Khalifa got the scoreline correctly…
FINAL SCORE: Florida State 1-4 UNC Wilmington
GOALS: Kevin C. 89’; Katie S. 72’, Anna H. 77’, Malik B. 82’, Kyra S. 84’
Final Group F standings
- Pittsburgh Panthers 3-0-0, 10 GS/1 GA, +9 GD, 9 Pts
- UNC Wilmington Seahawks 2-0-1, 9 GS/3 GA, +6 GD, 6 Pts
- Florida State Seminoles 1-0-2, 6 GS/GA, 0 GD, 3 Pts
- William Paterson Pioneers 0-0-3, 0 GS/15 GA, -15 GD, 0 Pts
IRL: Fordham’s academic reputation had always impressed me, and I liked the fact that it’s in my favorite city in the world. Stetson, despite their size, caught my eye during a period of time when I was absolutely OBSESSED with the idea of going to school in Florida. I’ll admit that I had concerns about UNCW’s race statistics at first, but they won over FSU because they were an overall far better fit. FSU also lacked a men’s soccer team for me to root for. Loyola and Miami were a part of my OG T3, but interest faded because of snobbish reputations and attractive girls with eating disorders (Miami). Believe it or not, I actually DID consider WPU for a month near the end of junior year because they were willing to give me a free app…and then I took the SAT.
Friday, April 10: the group stage officially concluded. First, we head to Group G, where the Seton Hall Pirates took to San Antonio to face the Northeastern Huskies. Seton Hall drew both their opening two games, and their tournament bid was on the line against a Northeastern side that was already topping the group no matter what.
The Huskies, in black, amazingly took the lead after just 49 seconds. Midfielder Ben H. collected a backheeled pass from striker Darko before firing from the top of the box and beating Pirates keeper Anthony M. SHU, in white, were desperate from that point on and tried to do everything that they could to equalize. Yasmine B., Pam C., and Ashina all came very close to beating Vladimir in the opening period.
Seton Hall continued with the amount of opportunities in the second half. Lexi A. and Pam came close with headers, and Sterling R. saw efforts hit the post on consecutive occasions. Astha fired just wide, Yasmine headed just over. The Pirates continued to plug away in search for a leveler, but could not find the target. The Huskies got a game-clincher from Amanda C. in the very last minute of play. Seton Hall knew that a draw wouldn’t have gotten them through, but their defeat was the nail in their coffin.
FINAL SCORE: Seton Hall 0-2 Northeastern
GOALS: **Ben H. 1’, Amanda C. 90’+2 **
At the same time, the Monmouth Hawks squared off against the Butler Bulldogs in Charleston, SC. Both teams drew Seton Hall and lost to Northeastern, but anything short of victory would spell failure for Butler.
Monmouth, in white, had a few good chances to start off from Julie D. and Andrea R. However, that is all that would be heard from them in this contest. Butler, in navy blue, took the game by the scruff. Their possession and chances created were excellent, and they deservedly opened the scoring through Frank I.'s third in as many games. The Bulldogs continued having chances throughout the half.
Butler continued carrying the edge that they sorely missed in the last two matches, by finishing their chances. Danny G. quickly added a second when his header flew past Hawks keeper Chris A. The second goal completely took the wind out of Monmouth’s sails, and Butler scored a third when Mack L. danced around the defense. Amanda D. eventually did have one attempt for Monmouth, but her header was very wide. Butler, as expected, defeated Monmouth very easily to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The Hawks will surely be lamenting their failure to hold a two-goal halftime lead against Seton Hall in the first game.
FINAL SCORE: Monmouth 0-3 Butler
GOALS: Frank I. 17’, Danny G. 47’, Mack L. 80’
Final Group G standings
- Northeastern Huskies 3-0-0, 7 GS/2 GA, +5 GD, 9 Pts
- Butler Bulldogs 1-1-1, 5 GS/4 GA, +1 GD, 4 Pts
- Seton Hall Pirates 0-2-1, 3 GS/5 GA, -2 GD, 2 Pts
- Monmouth Hawks 0-1-2, 3 GS/7 GA, -4 GD, 1 Pt
Finally, Group H concluded with two simultaneous games. The Montclair State Redhawks faced the Pace Setters at PPL Park in Chester, PA. Both teams lost their second games, but Montclair could go through with a two-goal win and a two-goal Quinnipiac win over Hofstra on the goals scored tiebreaker. Pace could also advance, but it would be much more difficult.
Montclair in red, Pace in blue. Both teams were even on possession, but Montclair had all the chances due to Pace’s disgustingly boring defensive style. Captain Sam O. was let in from a well-placed Danny M. through ball, but couldn’t beat Setters keeper Yutaka. Sam had some more shots that were saved by the keeper, as did Danny, and it was scoreless at the break.
The second period saw Montclair score two quick goals. Striker Mike O., Sam’s brother, opened the scoring with a long-range drive. Just minutes later, Danny found the back of the net. However, defender Amanda P. scored a very unfortunate own goal just before stoppage time to put Pace on the board when she deflected a Samra cross into her own net. It would be the Setters’ only goal of the tournament, and it didn’t even come off of their own boot. They would finish bottom of the group with only a single point.
FINAL SCORE: Montclair State 2-1 Pace
GOALS: Mike O. 51’, Danny M. 55’; Amanda P. 90’ (own goal)
The game of the day, however, was between the Hofstra Pride and the Quinnipiac Bobcats, and it took place in Cincinnati. Both teams won their second matches, and the winner would progress as group winners.
Quinnipiac, in navy blue, started out with all the chances. Despite missing striker Bri V. and goalkeeper Matt G. for the tournament, they didn’t seem to miss a beat. Attacking mid Jaycee S. had the first great shot that rattled off the crossbar, and captain Nick G. came very close with a free kick. Striker Emma R. and midfielder Jessica V.W. also had clear cut chances denied in the first half by Pride keeper Seth E.
Hofstra began some attacking moves of their own in the second half, and Alexis B. was unlucky to see her shots saved by QU keeper Aaron R. Midfielder Lissie L. also had a chance that went begging. Hofstra pushed and pushed, but it was the Bobcats who finally made a breakthrough seven minutes from full time. Left back Brittany K. whipped in a delicious cross that was left for right winger Christina M. to head into the net. Quinnipiac completed the victory in the 89th when Jaycee scored off a rebound from a Nick shot. However, the news of Amanda P.'s own goal from the other game spilled into the stadium, and Hofstra were relieved to also be advancing…to face Northeastern. Quinnipiac, meanwhile, won the group with seven points and will face the Butler Bulldogs in the last sixteen.
FINAL SCORE: Hofstra 0-2 Quinnipiac
GOALS: Christina M. 83’, Jaycee S. 89’
Final Group H standings
- Quinnipiac Bobcats 2-1-0, 6 GS/1 GA, +5 GD, 7 Pts
- Hofstra Pride 1-1-1, 3 GS/GA, 0 GD, 4 Pts
- Montclair State Redhawks 1-1-1, 4 GS/5 GA, -1 GD, 4 Pts
- Pace Setters 0-1-2, 1 GS/5 GA, -4 GD, 1 Pt
IRL: Well, Northeastern. What can I say? They would be the cream of the crop of all the schools I applied to, the biggest reach on my list. Quinnipiac and Hofstra were always schools that I’ve liked, but I’d much rather attend the former any day. Butler looked intriguing certainly, and I liked their basketball team and their overall student culture interested me. Montclair State would have had some nice value for me, but I just didn’t feel it to be a very good academic or social fit as it’s a suitcase school. Seton Hall, Monmouth, and Pace just didn’t make the grade, despite showing loads of interest in me (even calling my cell phone to get me to apply).
@MYOS1634 @cakeisgreat thank you so much for the comments!! @brucemag where did you son decide to attend?
And whoops, FSU’s goal was scored in the 87th minute, not the 89th.
Seeing FSU at #3, just above WPU, is something to behold! 
@MYOS1634 it really is. They did destroy WPU, but the final twenty minutes of play against UNCW was one of the largest collective meltdowns I’ve ever seen. And I only watched it on television!! 
this is such a great creative exercise, LBad! You should save this thread and reread it in ten years.
@1203southview thank you!! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading it!
So, the Sweet Sixteen is set, here are the matches:
UMass vs Rider
Syracuse vs Colorado
Fordham vs UNCW
Northeastern vs Hofstra
Binghamton vs Rutgers
Bentley vs Clark
Pittsburgh vs Stetson
Quinnipiac vs Butler
You know what, this is taking too long. I’ll just go ahead and post the S16, E8, and F4 results.
Sweet Sixteen results
Saturday, April 11th
UMass 0-0 Rider
Rider wins 5-4 on penalties
Syracuse 2-1 Colorado
GOALS: Julia M. 6’, Courtney R. 81’; Jordan R. 64’
Sunday, April 12th
Binghamton 1-0 Rutgers AET
GOALS: Adeola 119’
Bentley 3-0 Clark
GOALS: Robert M. 17’, Carl J. 47’, Ian J. 79’
Monday, April 13th
Fordham 2-3 UNC Wilmington
GOALS: Kevin E. 16’, Anthony P. 38’; Olivia C. 46’, Rachel K. 82’, Jordyn K. 86’
Northeastern 1-2 Hofstra
GOALS: Ben H. 67’; Ronny G. 71’, Peter J. 85’
Tuesday, April 14th
Pittsburgh 1-1 Stetson
GOALS: Kelly P. 39’; Jesus A. 89’
Stetson win 4-3 on pens
Quinnipiac 2-1 Butler
Christina M. 44’, Nick G. 73’; Danny G. 80’
Elite Eight results
Friday, April 17th
Rider 0-1 Syracuse
GOALS: James G. 12’
UNC Wilmington 4-0 Hofstra
GOALS: Matt M. 8’, Malik B. 36’, Olivia C. 69’, Kyle W. 76’
Saturday, April 18th
Binghamton 1-1 Bentley
GOALS: Samantha P. 50’; Ali Y. 45’+1
Binghamton win 3-2 on pens
Stetson 0-0 Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac wins 5-3 on pens
Final Four
Tuesday, April 21st
Syracuse 1-2 UNC Wilmington
GOALS: Kenny F. 3’; Laura C. 58’, Brooke R. 90’ +4
Wednesday, April 22nd
Binghamton 0-2 Quinnipiac
GOALS: Emma R. 66’, Christina M. 83’
RED CARDS: Courtney B. 7’ (Quinnipiac, straight red for breaking Glenni R.‘s leg), Mike R. 70’ (Binghamton captain, straight red for dangerous tackle), Ebony D. 76’ (Binghamton, second yellow for dangerous tackle)
Third place game between Syracuse and Binghamton will take place on Thursday, April 30th at High Point Solutions Stadium in New Brunswick; LBad Cup Final between UNCW and Quinnipiac will be on Friday, May 1st at MetLife Stadium.
Syracuse/Rider match up: no surprise there. But I’m kind of surprised at the Bing/Bentley results. Oh well.
So now it’s down to the wire…
@MYOS1634 which Bing/Bentley results surprised you? The match they played against each other, or their S16 games?
Oh, and I forgot an IRL…
UNCW, Quinnipiac, Stetson, Hofstra, and Rider all accepted me. Pittsburgh didn’t allow me into their main campus, but I was admitted into their Johnstown campus. Syracuse, Binghamton, Bentley, UMass, Northeastern, Fordham, and Clark all rejected me. Bing beat Bentley on penalties in the E8 by virtue of Bentley getting back to me first. Stetson and Rider both offered big money, and Rider cut the cost to only $3k a year. However, I still wasn’t convinced to attend a weaker school just because they gave me more money. Hofstra, meanwhile, only offered me a $12.5 k/year scholarship with zero FAFSA aid. That, coupled with their less-than-suitable surrounding area, saw them crushed by UNCW in the quarters.
Butler, Colorado, and Rutgers all failed to make my final list.